Australia is demanding that Israel review coordination with humanitarian organizations to protect their workers and other civilians, the Australian Foreign Ministry said.
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The statement stems from the completed investigation into an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) strike on a target in the Gaza Strip that killed seven employees of the non-profit organization World Central Kitchen, including an Australian citizen. The investigation was conducted by Australian Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin.
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The statement said the marshal’s findings indicated that the attack on the NPO’s vehicles was a result of mistaken identity and errors in decision-making.
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“We are working with the UN and the international community to pressure Israel to change its coordination with humanitarian organizations… The Australian Government will persist until adequate protection for aid workers is ensured… To this end, I have written to my Israeli counterpart,” – Foreign Minister Penny Wong said.
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The nonprofit World Central Kitchen said in early April that seven of its employees were killed in the Israeli strike in Gaza, with victims from Australia, Poland, Britain, the United States and Palestine. A number of countries have demanded an investigation into the incident.
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The Israel Defense Forces has called the Israeli strike on Gaza, which killed members of the NGO World Central Kitchen, a “serious mistake.” Israeli President Isaac Herzog, in a conversation with the founder of the NGO, José Andres, apologized in connection with the death of its employees in Gaza
